When Doug Stanley accepted the 2011 Summit Achievement Award at last winter’s 8th annual International Hoof-Care Summit, he challenged farriers and equine veterinarians in the audience to do more in volunteering their talents to the equine community.

“I’d like to thank American Farriers Journal and the Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center for presenting this award, not just to me, but to all of the people out here who help folks in the equine world.

“Having done footcare work for more 50 years, I’ve learned it’s what you do to help people that makes a difference.

“Don’t be afraid to give back a little bit of what you’re providing to the equine industry. It never hurts to give back and there are folks out there who could truly use your help. If you can enhance the equine experience — like I’ve been able to do with the Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas— you can enhance your business by helping these groups help other people. It will make you feel good to be making a meaningful contribution.

“The Summit Achievement Award program makes it possible for farriers to be recognized for their many volunteer contributions. Receiving this award made me realize that someone has been paying attention to what all of us do on a volunteer basis and that it’s good to be recognized.”

— Doug Stanley, Ore City, Texas